In a recent appearance on BBC Breakfast, former BBC News technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones returned to the studio to update viewers on his health,
following his public Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2019.
Rory, who had been open about his condition since it was first noticed on air,
shared a candid update on how he’s been managing the disease since his departure from the BBC in 2021, after a career spanning 40 years.
Hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty welcomed Rory back to discuss his progress and the ongoing challenges of living with Parkinson’s.
Stayt, acknowledging the public’s interest in Rory’s journey, asked, “Lots of people, BBC Breakfast viewers included, have followed your story very closely.
You’ve been so open about how things are. I obviously have to ask you how you are now? How are you today?”
Rory responded with a mix of honesty and hope, reflecting on the physical toll Parkinson’s has taken on his body. “I’m slowing down a bit, I’m more jerky in my movements. Walking is a bit harder. But, I’m doing ok. I’m partly, hugely motivated by this podcast that we’ve got,” he explained. Rory referred to the podcast he has been working on, which explores cutting-edge research into Parkinson’s disease, including a new episode on mitochondrial research, which he hinted could offer promising insights into future treatments for the disease.
Despite acknowledging the progressive nature of Parkinson’s, Rory remained cautiously optimistic. “There’s a lot to be hopeful about, but I’m always aware it’s a progressive illness, and the long-term outlook is not great,” he said, offering a dose of realism to his viewers while maintaining a sense of hope.
Parkinson’s disease affects over 150,000 people in the UK alone, with numbers steadily rising as it is considered the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide, according to The Daily Express. This alarming statistic sets the stage for increasing awareness and innovation in treating the disease, something both Rory and the BBC hosts underscored during the broadcast.
During the segment, Naga Munchetty highlighted the story of John Morgan, a 51-year-old man from Bristol who has been living with Parkinson’s disease for over two decades. John’s journey became particularly inspiring when he underwent an innovative surgical procedure that involved the implantation of a device that syncs with his brainwaves. This breakthrough, similar to a pacemaker for the brain, has significantly reduced his symptoms and improved his mobility.
John Morgan became the first person in the UK to undergo this pioneering procedure, which involved the implantation of a device into his chest and head. The device, which coordinates with brain activity, has provided him with new hope in his battle against Parkinson’s. In a pre-recorded interview, John shared his experience of how his symptoms began, with shaking hands being the first noticeable sign. This innovative surgery has given him a renewed sense of independence and a better quality of life.
Rory Cellan-Jones commented on the surgery, calling it “exciting” and pointing out that it’s a modification of an existing procedure known as deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS has been in use for years as a treatment option for Parkinson’s, but this newer version aims to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness by syncing with the brain’s natural rhythms. While it is an upgrade to an already well-established treatment, Rory acknowledged that the procedure still carries significant risks.
“It’s important to stress that this is an upgrade of an existing operation in deep brain stimulation, which is a fairly major thing to have,” Rory said. He noted that the procedure, which requires drilling into the skull and implanting a pacemaker-like device in the chest, can be daunting for those considering it. “Having somebody drill into your skull and then effectively put a pacemaker under your chest is quite a thing to think about,” Rory said, underlining the significant emotional and physical impact of undergoing such a procedure.
The breakthroughs in both research and treatment options bring hope to those living with Parkinson’s, a disease that continues to challenge medical professionals and patients alike. As Rory Cellan-Jones continues to share his personal journey, he is also helping to shine a light on the ongoing advancements in Parkinson’s research and treatment, offering hope for better solutions and, perhaps one day, a cure.
For now, Rory remains a beacon of strength for many facing similar battles, continuing to motivate others with his openness and determination. His willingness to speak about his own experiences, coupled with the hopeful developments surrounding Parkinson’s research and treatments, offers a sense of optimism in an otherwise challenging journey.
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